Heed just two good for their hosts Chester
GATESHEAD made it three wins on the spin, and four from five, with a 2-1 victory at Chester.
Jordan Preston struck early and substitute Macaulay Langstaff late to keep the Heed upwardly mobile.
They go into Wednesday’s first derby of the season at Darlington looking to cement their place in the top six.
After a slow start to the game, Gateshead ran the show in the first half against promotion rivals Chester.
Preston’s well-struck 13th-minute opener from George Smith’s throwin should have been added to such was the Heed’s superiority.
They did not work home goalkeeper Louis Gray enough, however, and were pegged back early in the second half.
Simon Grand glanced a header into the far corner from George Glendon’s cross to set up a tougher second period.
However, Grand turned from hero to villain four minutes from the end of normal time.
His back-pass was latched on to by the alert Langstaff, who drilled a 12-yard shot underneath Gray to claim victory.
While the three points were giftwrapped, both managers believed the outcome was a fair reflection of
the game. Gateshead player-manager Mike Williamson said: “It was huge character from the lads.
“For large periods, the majority really, we dominated with the ball.
“For the first 10-15 minutes in each half we struggled to get to grips
with it but I thought the lads were excellent.
“When we are on the front foot we are positive and have energy - not may teams can deal with the quality we have.”
Chester joint-manager Anthony
Johnson admitted his side had been outclassed in the opening 45 minutes
He said: “Gateshead were miles better than us in the first half, they pulled us apart and gave us the runaround.
“They have a manager who has played in the Premier League,are well coached, full-time and a good footballing side.
“It was night and day in the second half, though the best side won over the game.”
George Smith limped off near the end and faces a fight to be fit for the midweek trip to Darlington.
Ged Garner’s loan spell from Fleetwood Town, where he is contracted until January, expires tomorrow.
It is understood Gateshead will attempt to extend the forward’s stay on Tyneside.